New Orleans Saints Game-by-Game Predictions

If you’re a forward-thinking NFL bettor, as we are, then read on for our way too early game-by-game predictions for the New Orleans Saints. We dive into their NFL schedule, examine the NFL odds and take into consideration the latest NFL news, trades, injury reports and more before delivering our NFL predictions

2022 NFL Futures – New Orleans Saints

• Super Bowl LVII +4000
• NFC Conference +2000
• NFC South +350
• Regular Season Win Totals O 8½ (-115) / U 8½ (-115)

The Allen-Winston Connection Key

Headlining the Saints is new head coach Dennis Allen, who previously served as a defensive coordinator for New Orleans and, even, the Raiders’ head coach between 2012 and 2014. However, his stint with the Raiders was unmemorable as he went 8-36-0 in 44 games. How much stock should we put into that?

Quarterback Jameis Winston, who is coming off an ACL injury, thrived under Payton. Payton kept Winston’s erratic game in check. The question is whether Allen will have the same impact.

Separately, Andy Dalton is the new No. 1 backup. Second-year QB Ian Book is expected to be the backup to the backup QB. The Saints relied on backup quarterback play last season, turning to four different QBs in the last 10 games. So, one can’t overlook the value of these two players.

These are some of the considerations that have gone into these way too early predictions. So, with that in mind, let’s get started.

New Orleans Saints Game-by-Game Preview & Predictions

Week 1 at Atlanta Falcons – Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

Talent gives the Saints the matchup advantage. But will they be ready to win in Week 1? Working with a new coach, a quarterback coming off an ACL injury and opening the season on the road are just three of several factors that could work against them here. Another is Marcus Mariota’s motivation to prove his worth as a starter in Atlanta. It’s a toss-up, but we’re chalking it to the home team.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 0-1

Week 2 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers have struggled against the Saints in the regular season, largely because of former head coach Payton. Payton was a mastermind on the sidelines and led his Saints to the series sweep last season. Now, with Allen at the helm, will the Saints be as successful against the GOAT? If there’s a time to flip the script, then it’s now. Don’t be surprised if TB12 secures a win in “The Big Easy.”

Prediction: Loss

Record: 0-2

Week 3 at Carolina Panthers – Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

The Saints split this series last season with both sides winning at home. Interestingly, the Sam Darnold-inspired Panthers upset the Saints a week after New Orleans stunned the NFL betting world with a resounding win over the Green Bay Packers. One has to consider a Mayfield-led Panthers team will be tougher to beat in Charlotte.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 0-3

Week 4 vs Minnesota Vikings – Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, 9:30 a.m. ET (London)

The Vikings have had the Saints’ number in big games lately, winning their last two postseason contests. The Saints did get their own back in the last regular season meeting, however. This might not be a postseason game, but it’s still a relatively big deal considering it falls into the league’s dedicated international schedule. The neutral territory levels the playing field. The Saints could steal a win here.

Prediction: Win

Record: 1-3

Week 5 vs Seattle Seahawks – Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

The league’s bye weeks begin in Week 6, so the Saints will go straight into another game after their trek across the pond. That’s not an ideal situation. Jetlag and a likely shortened practice week will have an impact. However, the Seahawks aren’t inspiring fear in opponents this season. They’ll likely struggle to win games with Geno Smith and/or Drew Lock as the offensive pivot.

Prediction: Win

Record: 2-3

Week 6 vs Cincinnati Bengals – Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase return to their LSU stomping ground when they face the Saints in “The Big Easy.” The Bengals were the Cinderella story of the 2021 NFL season, stringing together a stellar postseason campaign that ended with a runner-up finish in Super Bowl. If the Bengals are better this season, this will be a tough game for Winston and Co.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 2-4

Week 7 at Arizona Cardinals — Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, 8:15 p.m. ET

After a tough matchup against the Bengals at home, the Saints face a short week and a trip to Glendale where they’ll take on Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. This is also the week that DeAndre Hopkins returns to the roster from suspension, elevating the Cardinals’ offensive profile significantly. It’s a tough out.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 2-5

Week 8 vs Las Vegas Raiders – Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

The Raiders beat the Saints in their last meeting in Week 2 of the covid-impacted 2020 NFL season, clinching the 34-24 win in an empty Allegiant Stadium. A lot has changed in both camps since that last meeting. The Raiders’ retooled offense will be a challenge, but the Saints’ retooled defense could be up for the task.

Prediction: Win

Record: 3-5

Week 9 vs Baltimore Ravens – Monday, Nov. 5, 2022, 8:15 p.m. ET

Injuries were a big part of the Ravens’ demise last year, spreading across the roster and inflicting key positions, including quarterback. So long as Lamar Jackson is in good form and the Ravens are healthy, this will be a real test of Allen’s defense on Monday Night Football. That said, home advantage could sway it for the hosts.

Prediction: Win

Record: 4-5

Week 10 at Pittsburgh Steelers – Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

The Steelers’ offense is uncertain right now with Mitch Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett slated as potential starters. However, the Steelers have some of the most fearsome players on the D-line and that’s something coach Mike Tomlin will hang his hat on. Taking a road win (if at all) at Heinz Field will be tough.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 4-6

Week 11 vs Los Angeles Rams – Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

The reigning Super Bowl champion Rams are going to be a tough team to beat in 2022. There is a reason why they are among the top favorites in the NFL futures market to win Super Bowl LVII.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 4-7

Week 12 at San Francisco 49ers – Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Niners can never be underestimated. Kyle Shanahan is one of the best head coaches in the league and his defense is formidable. But Trey Lance is a neophyte. It remains to be seen whether the second-year quarterback can live up to the hype in his first year as a starter.

Prediction: Win

Record: 5-7

Week 13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Monday, Dec. 6, 2022, 8:15 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay completes the series sweep for the first time in the Tom Brady era.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 5-8

Week 14 Bye 

Week 15 vs Atlanta Falcons – Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, TBD

If the Falcons struggle in 2022, as many are projecting them to, then this could be a straightforward home win over a team that is heading to the drawing board in the offseason.

Prediction: Win

Record: 6-8

Week 16 at Cleveland Browns – Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

One wonders what the ultimate impact of the Deshaun Watson brouhaha will be on this team on and off the field. The distraction, negative media and speculation that has followed him can’t be good. Whether he plays or not (most assume he will be available at this point in the season) might not make a difference. Watson isn’t infallible.

Prediction: Win

Record: 7-8

Week 17 at Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023, 1 p.m. ET

The Eagles are one of the most hyped-up teams entering 2022. At this point in time, we’ll know if it was warranted or if it was all smoke and mirrors. Yours truly has money on the latter.

Prediction: Win

Record: 8-8

Week 18 vs Carolina Panthers – Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, TBD

The final game could be for all the marbles and a potential wild card spot in the playoffs. Home advantage swings it for the Saints.

Prediction: Win

Record: 9-8